The use of numerous mushroom species in traditional medicine has been widely documented, with their observed immunomodulatory effects now attributed, in part, to bioactive components called β-glucans. The β-glucans are of particular interest since they are naturally occurring polymers of glucose, are orally active when taken as food supplements and have a long track record of safe use. Due to their immunomodulatory properties, purified β-glucans have been used clinically as part of a combination therapy for a variety of cancers and their potential anti-infective properties have received attention. This review relates the structure of β-glucans to their function, with a particular focus on their documented immunomodulatory effects and the mechanisms by which they affect inter- and intracellular function, resulting in potential antimicrobial benefits. Overall, the benefits of dietary supplementation with β-glucans in order to enhance innate resistance to biological agents are evaluated.
References
Thompson, I. J., Oyston, P. C., & Williamson, D. E. (2010). Potential of the β-glucans to enhance innate resistance to biological agents. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 8(3), 339–352. https://doi.org/10.1586/eri.10.10
https://doi.org/10.1586/eri.10.10
This 2010 expert review examined the potential of β-glucans to enhance innate immune resistance against infectious biological threats, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.
β-glucans demonstrated broad-spectrum enhancement of innate resistance across multiple pathogen types. By priming macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells, β-glucan pre-treatment could reduce infection severity and accelerate clearance. The review highlighted military and biodefense applications, given the potential to rapidly boost innate immunity without pathogen-specific vaccines.
This review broadens the evidence base for beta glucan beyond specific conditions. Its nonspecific innate immune priming action — supported in research on Aureobasidium pullulans β-glucan — positions it as a general immune resilience supplement applicable across many infectious disease contexts.
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Thompson I., Oyston P., Williamson D.. Potential of the β-glucans to enhance innate resistance to biological agents. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy. 2010. DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.10.
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